Creating+a+Lighting+Fixture


 * Abstract**

The purpose of this entry is to walkthrough the design of a custom lighting fixture. While many suppliers are beginning to offer Revit models, there is still a need for creating and correcting fixtures. While the Revit tutorial is helpful, setting the characteristics up for scheduling and details are left out along with electrical connections and data for circuiting.

//**To begin:**//


 * File > New > Family**

Lighting options




 * Non-Linear Fixtures
 * Lighting Fixture
 * Free design
 * Movable Fixtures
 * Floor based
 * Pendant mounted
 * Lighting Fixture ceiling based
 * Recessed
 * Surface mounted
 * Lighting Fixture wall based
 * wall mounted
 * Linear Fixtures
 * Linear Lighting Fixture
 * Free design
 * Floor Based
 * Pendant mounted
 * Linear Lighting Fixture ceiling based
 * Recessed
 * Surface Mounted
 * Linear Lighting Fixture wall based
 * wall mounted


 * //Design Basics//**

After selecting the design option, a corresponding file will open with designated reference planes. Typically these reference planes would represent the top of a surface in Revit (e.g. floor, ceiling, table top, etc.). When using the general design, the reference lines are set at a 4’-6” elevation. This can be adjusted within any elevation view. If inserted without adjustment, the free design will insert the fixture at this height.

All designs are based off of extrusions and voids. Plan view is needed to define the basics of the extrusion and voids. Use reference lines to coordinate special features of the fixture. Selecting the extrusion allows a material to be assigned. Once a material is assigned, the extrusion will hold that material into the project model. Separate faces may be painted using the “Paint by face feature”. This overrides the typical material by face.

A default design source is included within the template. By selecting the source, a default pattern will be inserted. This can be adjusted up or down. Select the best “emit from shape” and “light distribution.”



Selection of the photometric web light distribution will allow photometric data to be imported. This can be done through the types menu. Generic patterns can be further defined in the types menu. The types menu will change as the light distribution selection changes.

When recessing a fixture, it is important to not only design the fixture through a surface, but also to include the opening. This can be done simply by choosing “Opening” on the Create Tab.

For pendants, an extrusion would be necessary to display the rope holding the fixture. Pendants should be designed using a free design. Revit models these fixtures inverted so that parameters such as rope length can be quickly adjusted without editing the family. Adjustable lengths work with the same basis as those for any object.


 * //Multiple Light Source Fixtures (Tracks, chandeliers, etc.)//**

Each source has to be designed separately. Once this is achieved, enter the Category and Parameters menu to select the object as shared. Then after designing the central model for the fixture (e.g. the track of a track fixture), import the track heads that had been previously designed. This will keep the system as a separate family.


 * //Electrical Connection//**

While all of the above modeling techniques apply to all versions of Revit, an electrical connection can be only defined within Revit MEP. By selecting “electrical connector” from the create menu, a face can be selected to host the wire connection point. This can be done on a face or plane basis. Once inserted, using the element properties will allow for all of the electrical properties of the fixture to be defined. This will automatically be picked up when creating wiring diagrams and balancing panel boards.


 * //Setting Type//**

Using the parameters menu, turn on the light source option.



By using the types menu, many settings of the fixture can be defined. This determines wattage, connection voltage, color temperature, and the photometric web. Once a photometric web is loaded, it can be rotated into place. The photometric web will not set color temperature, light loss factors, or the initial lumens. These values need to manually be input.

If all of the settings are defined correctly, a lighting schedule can be made within a few simple clicks. To create multiple types, it is easiest to define one family, load it into a project and then modify the types within the element properties. Duplicating and renaming types will allow for fast adjustments within the project.